Caution: Rip Tides

Sunday was the Sabbath but I got caught up in the toil, the prepping, the cooking, and in the middle of all that do-ing I sliced my finger wide open, spilling red. Hot tears ran down my cheeks as cool water washed over the wound, confirming my need to stop and rest.

It's that blood dripping and sting in our eyes that cuts through us soul deep. Pain awakens our hearts to the need and tears flow straight into God's river of grace where God meets us and asks us to rest and linger awhile.

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, he is my fortress, I will not be shaken." Psalm 62:5-6

Yes, these are the exact words I opened to after my sweet husband sent me away in the midst of unmade salads and tears. God knew exactly what I needed to hear and called me away from all the do-ing, all that tasking to just be with Him - abide with Him - center myself in Him.

So often we get distracted by the noble things like husbands, children, tidy houses, perfect meals, ministry, and passions or jobs well done. We focus on pleasing those around us because they're tangible flesh-and-blood and truthfully, when we spend time alone with God, it looks like we're not do-ing anything at all! So we allow the approval of others to pull us along like a rip-tide; we don't know it's there until we're caught up and struggling against it and cramping with pain.

If you're there today - struggling against that rip tide - I get it. And, I'm offering you a life raft. Stop all the do-ing and hop on. Leave your lists, all those tasks undone for a few minutes, or a half hour (Gasp! I know, but trust me, it'll all get done) and let yourself find God's river of grace. When you do? When you center your attention on God alone? Rest and peace, hope and life, laughter and joy flow from Him through you and to all those around you. It's not some magic spell God waves over your head, but the calming of His Presence; the reassurance that He's got everything under control. And you'll find, somehow, He does.

My heart rested and fully centered, I returned to the kitchen and found my sink empty, the counters cleared, cupboards closed, and my refrigerator full of salads. I was now ready to enjoy my family and Sabbath rest.

What makes you feel like you're caught up in a rip tide? When do you know it's time to recenter your thoughts on God Presence? What do you at those times? What sort of life boat saves you?